It wasn't that long ago that TCU was the ultimate "little engine that could" program. People loved the underdog story. But honestly? That narrative is basically dead. If you look at the landscape of the league in 2026, the Horned Frogs aren't just "present"—they are foundational pieces for some of the biggest franchises in football.
You’ve got guys like Steve Avila anchoring the Rams' offensive line and Quentin Johnston finally finding his stride as a true WR1 in Los Angeles. It’s a massive shift. We’re seeing a pipeline from Fort Worth to the pros that is starting to rival the blue bloods of the SEC.
The Chargers’ TCU Obsession: Johnston and Davis
The Los Angeles Chargers clearly have a "type." For a while, it felt like they were trying to rebuild the 2022 TCU roster right there in SoFi Stadium. Quentin Johnston, the big-bodied receiver who faced a mountain of criticism his rookie year, has really turned a corner.
In the 2025 season, Johnston finally silenced the doubters. He hauled in 51 receptions for 735 yards and 8 touchdowns. That’s the kind of production you expect from a first-round pick. He’s stopped thinking and started playing. You can see the confidence in how he attacks the ball in the air now.
Then there’s Derius Davis. He’s arguably one of the most electric return men in the entire league. In 2025, he was still out there making people miss, including a massive 46-yard kickoff return that set the tone in a key divisional matchup. He’s a gadget player, sure, but he’s the kind of gadget player that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.
Steve Avila: The Most Important Player You Aren't Watching
If you want to talk about "NFL-ready," you have to talk about Steve Avila. Most fans ignore the guards until they give up a sack, but Avila has been a literal iron man for the Rams.
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Since he was drafted, the guy has barely missed a snap. We're talking about a player who logged 1,094 offensive snaps in his rookie year—the most for a Rams rookie since Cooper Kupp. In 2025, he continued that trend, starting every game he played at left guard. He’s 332 pounds of pure problem for opposing defensive tackles.
What makes Avila special? Nuance. He isn't just a mauler; he’s incredibly smart in pass protection. According to PFF, he’s consistently ranked as one of the top young guards in the game. He’s the reason Matthew Stafford can still stand upright at his age.
The Defense: Moehrig and the New Wave
TCU has always been a defensive factory under the Gary Patterson era, and that legacy is still paying dividends. Tre’von Moehrig has blossomed into a legitimate leader for the Las Vegas Raiders' secondary. He’s a ball-hawking safety who finally has the veteran savvy to match his elite athleticism.
But it’s not just the established stars. The 2024 and 2025 draft classes brought in a wave of Frogs who are carving out roles:
- Josh Newton: Making plays in the secondary with a "refuse to lose" attitude.
- Dee Winters: A violent linebacker who has become a special teams ace and a rotational thumper for the 49ers.
- Dylan Horton: After a courageous return to the field for the Texans, he’s proving to be a vital part of their pass-rush rotation.
What Most People Get Wrong About TCU Alumni
There’s this weird misconception that TCU players struggle with the "jump" to the NFL because they played in a "Big 12 system." It’s a lazy take.
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Honestly, the "Air Raid" or whatever you want to call the various iterations of the TCU offense has prepared these guys better than people think. Look at Kendre Miller in New Orleans. When he’s healthy, his vision is top-tier. He’s not a system back; he’s a creator.
The real story is the versatility. You have Matt Pryor playing multiple spots on the line, KaVontae Turpin making Pro Bowls as a returner for the Cowboys, and Andy Dalton—the elder statesman—still providing elite backup (and occasional starting) play for the Panthers.
The Max Duggan Saga
You can't talk about tcu football players in the nfl without mentioning the heart and soul of that 2022 National Championship run. Max Duggan’s NFL journey has been... well, it's been a ride.
After bouncing around the Chargers' practice squad and active roster, Max took a detour through the UFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks in early 2025. He threw for over 500 yards and ran for 5 touchdowns, showing that same grit that made him a Heisman finalist. Currently, he’s moved North to the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts. While he’s not currently on an NFL roster, his path shows the sheer determination that TCU breeds. Don't be surprised if some NFL team gives him another look for a camp spot in 2026.
Who is the Next Big Breakout?
If you’re looking for the next TCU player to become a household name, keep an eye on Brandon Coleman. The offensive tackle has the physical tools that scouts drool over. He’s been quietly putting in work and has the ceiling of a Pro Bowl tackle if he stays on his current trajectory.
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Also, don't sleep on Ar'Darius Washington. He’s undersized, sure. People have told him that his whole life. But the guy just finds the football. He’s become a key depth piece in Baltimore, a team that knows a thing or two about identifying defensive talent.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re following the Horned Frogs at the professional level, here is how you should be looking at things:
- Watch the Rams’ Rushing Totals: As long as Steve Avila is healthy, the Rams have a massive advantage on the interior. Their success on the ground usually starts with his blocks.
- Prop Bets on Turpin/Davis: In the modern NFL, special teams are being devalued, but KaVontae Turpin and Derius Davis are the exceptions. They are always one touch away from a house call.
- The "Second Year" Jump: TCU players often see their biggest production spike in year two. We saw it with Quentin Johnston. Watch for the 2024 draftees to make that same leap in the 2025-2026 postseason.
The "TCU to the NFL" pipeline is no longer an anomaly. It's a standard. Whether it's the veteran presence of Jerry Hughes and Andy Dalton or the youthful explosion of the "Charger Frogs," the purple and white is well-represented across the league.
Next Steps:
To stay ahead of the curve, you should track the weekly snap counts of Steve Avila and Quentin Johnston. These two are the current barometers for TCU's success in the pros. If you're looking for the next wave of talent, start scouting Savion Williams and the current Horned Frogs roster, as the 2026 NFL Draft is already looking like another big year for Fort Worth's finest.